Philippines Rebels Call Ceasefire

Separatist Muslim rebels facing a military offensive by the government in the southern Philippines have declared a 10-day unilateral ceasefire. The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) said the ceasefire would come into effect next Tuesday and urged the government to reciprocate. The move follows an intensified campaign by the Philippines military against the MILF after a spate of deadly attacks since March, which the government has blamed on the rebels. Philippines President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has reportedly called a meeting of cabinet ministers and security officials to discuss the declaration. MILF spokesman Eid Kabalu said the group called the ceasefire following calls for an end to fighting by the country’s Catholic leaders. The rebels said they would halt attacks on the southern island of Mindanao and Sulu. They urged the government to withdraw its troops within the 10-day period or face renewed fighting. Full Story

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